A very proud moment when the Durban University of Technology’s Jewellery Design students, who took all the awards at the 2016/17 Thuthuka Jewellery Awards, were receiving their certificates and prizes in front of their peers on Friday, 03 March 2017, at the DUT City Campus.

The awards are held annually at the University of Johannesburg by the Thuthuka Development Programme following an exhibition showcasing designs from various colleges and universities across the country.

Last year (2016), DUT entered first and second year students under the theme: Geometry Redefined. DUT students scooped all the prizes in all the categories, including the overall prize.

This year’s winners were Ben Buthelezi, Paul Mkhize, Thabo Mapota, Precious Mkhize, Busisiwe Ntuli, Anker van der Linde, Ayanda Zondi, Mandisa Nkabinde and Zeenat Adams who took the overall award.

Jewellery Design lecturer Samantha Vince said the judges at the exhibition commended the designs exhibited by DUT and were very impressed with how the students successfully portrayed the theme. She said after receiving such good praises on behalf of the students, the Department decided to hold its own award ceremony to recognise the students.

Dr Rene Smith, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design at DUT, said she was very proud of the students. She said the not only did the students win for themselves, they also did for the Faculty, their lecturers as well as DUT as a whole.

“I came here because I think what you are doing is important and it matters. I want you to know that we as the programme are very proud of you and we thank you for all you are doing for our faculty,” Dr Smith said.
– Bongani Gema
Pictured: Ecstatic: Proud DUT Jewellery Design lecturers with their students who clinched all awards at the 2016/17 Thuthuka Jewellery Awards.

– Picture credit: Bongani Gema